Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer Jenni Hermoso has been recalled to the Spain women’s national team for the first time in a year, as new head coach Sonia Bermudez named her in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden.
The 35-year-old Tigres UANL striker, who has netted 57 goals in over 100 appearances since her debut in 2012, makes her long-awaited return alongside Mapi Leon, the Barcelona defender who last represented Spain in 2022.
The return of the experienced duo marks a fresh start under Bermudez, who stepped up from managing the Spain U23s to replace Montse Tome, following the non-renewal of Tome’s contract by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in August.
Hermoso’s Return Marks New Chapter for Spain
Hermoso’s last appearance for Spain came in October 2024 in a 15-minute cameo against Canada, after which she was left out of Tome’s Euro 2025 squad. Spain went on to lose to England on penalties in the semi-final after a 1–1 draw.
Under Bermudez, Spain — the reigning Women’s Nations League champions — will face Sweden in the first leg of their semi-final on 24 October in Malaga, with the second leg taking place four days later in Gothenburg.
Bermudez’s decision to recall Hermoso reflects a shift toward experience and leadership within the squad, as Spain seeks to defend their Nations League crown and rebuild team unity after a turbulent year.
From World Cup Triumph to Controversy
Hermoso played a crucial role in Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory, scoring three goals and earning the Silver Ball for her performances. However, her triumph was overshadowed by the Luis Rubiales scandal, when the then-RFEF president kissed her without consent during the medal ceremony in Sydney.
The incident sparked global outrage and led to Rubiales’ eventual resignation and a €10,800 fine (£8,942) after Spain’s High Court found him guilty of sexual assault.
Despite the controversy, Hermoso continued to represent Spain through Euro 2025 qualification and the Paris Olympics, where she helped Spain reach the bronze medal match — ultimately losing to Germany.
Mapi Leon Also Returns After Two-Year Absence
Defender Mapi Leon, 30, also returns to the squad after last playing at Euro 2022, where Spain were eliminated by England in the quarter-finals.
Leon was among the 15 players who withdrew from selection in protest over working conditions and the management style of then-head coach Jorge Vilda. While most players returned after Vilda’s dismissal in 2023, Leon continued to boycott the national setup — until now.
Her inclusion under Bermudez signals an effort to reconcile past tensions and integrate top-tier talent back into the squad.
Tome’s Exit and Bermudez’s New Era
Former coach Montse Tome had previously explained Hermoso’s omission from the national team as being based on “performance reasons,” citing her form at Tigres.
“I understand that she is angry for not being called up when she feels she has to be,” Tome said at the time. “I have a clear conscience. We followed Jenni in her team, and the decision was made professionally.”
Bermudez’s appointment marks a new era for Spain’s women’s team, with an emphasis on experience, unity, and stability following a year dominated by off-field issues.
Upcoming Fixtures – Spain Women’s Nations League Semi-Finals
- First Leg: Spain vs Sweden – Friday, 24 October, Malaga
- Second Leg: Sweden vs Spain – Tuesday, 28 October, Gothenburg
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